Wayne was born and raised in San Bernardino, California.
He attended Pacific High School where he participated in many of the school’s Drama Productions, including “Harvey”.
Wayne loved to fish. He especially enjoyed going to Alaska, flying into remote fishing camps to fish the cold waters of Alaska. He caught several record breaking fish in both salt and fresh water.
He married Patty Strawn September 18, 1976. They were married 36 years before Patty passed away in 2013.
For many years Wayne worked with his father, Wayne Merchant, Sr., at family owned Wayne Merchant Custom Interiors in San Bernardino. Wayne retired after 16 years from the County of San Bernardino in 2006.